Biology
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duration
3-4 Years
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format
In-Seat
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Location
Charleston
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Concentrations
Conservation Biology
Biomedical Sciences
General Biology
Program Overview
The Biology program at UC provides a rigorous curriculum grounded on a variety of biological disciplines (organismal biology, molecular biology, environmental science and biomedical science), along with intensive laboratory courses, field work, experiential learning, and research opportunities. By the time our students graduate, they will be equipped with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to be competitive and successful applicants for employment or admission to professional or graduate school in the biological, medical or environmental sciences.
Freshman applicants with a 2.5 or higher high school GPA and transfer students with a 2.0 or higher cumulative college GPA are eligible for general admission to UC, and will gain direct entry into this program. Students may apply online or download the admissions application.
STEM Optional Practical Training programs are recognized by the U.S. government as beneficial to students and employers. Through these programs, international students gain essential, in-demand skills, and can extend their 12 month OPT an additional 24 months.
Program Highlights
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Concentrations available in
- Biomedical Sciences
- Conservation Biology
- General Biology
- Unique pathways for admission to UC’s PA program.
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Our science faculty have an open door policy and they are available to you any time they are in their offices; not just during office hours. This creates a very student-oriented setting for learning.
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Each lab section is taught by the professor and not an adjunct or graduate student. This environment leads to individual research opportunities and more personalized letters of recommendations.
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Chi Beta Phi, a national science honorary society, is active on our campus and provides you with opportunities to socialize and serve in the community.
Program Outcomes
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Career Opportunities
Biology majors have many career possibilities, including a wide variety of biology-related careers in academia, laboratory research, health care and pharmaceuticals. (Some careers may require additional, higher-level education.)
- Park ranger
- Agricultural or food science technician
- Biological technician or research assistant
- Quality control technician
- Content writer
- Health educator
- High school science teacher
- Food scientist
- Environmental scientist or specialist
- Forensic scientist
- Biologist
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Ecologist or wetland scientist
- Genetic counselor
- Physical therapist
- Dentist
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Pharmacist
- Chiropractor
- Veterinarian
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Graduate Schools
Graduates of the Biology programs at the University of Charleston can pursue many options for furthering their careers:
- UC Physician Assistant Program
Students have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees in the biological sciences, as well as medical and osteopathic school.
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Student Success
84% of recent graduates are employed in a related area or have been accepted into professional or graduate programs.
Opportunities for Taking Your Degree Further
Biology is a strong foundation for many careers. If you are considering using your degree for a career as a physician assistant, why not stay right here? UC offers a Physician Assistant Program, so you can stay at a school you know while preparing for a great future. Learn more about our Physician Assistant Program. Stay at UC and take your degree further.
UC is one of a select number of West Virginia schools partnering with the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in its Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program (POMP). The program provides a pathway for students who successfully complete program requirements to receive a guaranteed acceptance to WVSOM. Learn more here.
Additional Information
Capstone Research Experience
To demonstrate proficiency of the Program outcomes, majors must complete a hypothesis-based research project and Senior Seminar in their Senior Year
Required Research Timeline
To assure that graduation occurs within the student’s expected time frame, care must be taken to fulfill the requirements for completing your major’s capstone research seminar learning experiences. Breaking the sequence, skipping a requirement, or failing to complete events by required dates will delay graduation.
For the Biology Program the timeline is:
- Complete BIOL 130 and NSCI 220 prior to attaining 60 credits.
- Research experience in Upper level electives or independent research experience
- BIOL 496 Senior Year
Conservation Biology Concentration
The Conservation Biology concentration is designed to provide students with a foundation in environmental sciences and population, organismal, and evolutionary biology. Students will explore regional organismal processes and the environments in which they thrive. Ecology, conservation, and restoration of biodiversity are also a focus.
Conservation and restoration fieldwork and internships with local environmental agencies are some of the opportunities available to students in this concentration. Course requirements for professional certification by several societies (e.g. Ecological Society of America) can be met within this concentration. Students in this track will also be prepared for graduate school in biological and environmental sciences.
Biomedical Sciences Concentration
This concentration is designed for the undergraduate student with an aptitude for the biological sciences and who plans to attend a professional school in the health sciences. While many of the courses in our biology curriculum core ensure our graduates have acquired the necessary requirements for any professional and graduate program, this concentration allows students to take more specialized courses in areas of human health that will make them stand out as candidates.
Students can explore topics such as pathophysiology, embryology, virology and more. Students may also consider taking approved classes from other departments to expand the breadth of their degree. For example, some courses in Health Sciences and Psychology may be used to fulfill the requirements of this concentration (e.g. nutrition or health psychology).
This concentration also works well with the 3+1 pathway from UC Pharmacy school allowing students to graduate with a B.S. in Biology by completing year one of the professional program and using those courses as the biomedical science concentration courses.
General Biology Concentration
The General Biology concentration is the most universal emphasis, offering a flexible yet robust curriculum for students interested in a broader understanding of biology.
These additional 16 credit hours required are chosen from the list of upper-division courses, one from each major category (organismal biology, molecular biology, ecology, and biomedical sciences). Even though this concentration prioritizes breadth over focus, it is still appropriate for all professions that require a major in biology and will prepare students for graduate schools, professional schools, or employment.
If a student is unsure about what to do with their biology major and/or wants to take a wider variety of courses, then the General Biology concentration may be the best choice for them.
Physician Assistant Fast Track Admission Pathway
The Physician Assistant Fast Track Admission Pathway offers students the opportunity to pursue a strong science education that leads to admission to PA School.
This pathway provides students with a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Biomedical Sciences to meet a host of healthcare and biological science career goal requirements, sequenced in a way that allows eligible and motivated students to apply to the UC Physician Assistant Fast Track program.
Program Contact:
Chi Beta Phi Science Honorary
Chi Beta Phi Science Honorary promotes interest in science and gives recognition to scholarly attainment in science. Chi Beta Phi is open to students having completed 20 hours of science courses with a 3.0 GPA. Freshmen may participate in activities prior to earning their 20 hours. Members of Chi Beta Phi participate in campus-wide recycling as well as having Earth Day Activities. Students may attend the Chi Beta Phi National Convention held every October.
Pre-Professional Healthcare Society
This is a unique student organization on campus that provides important and valuable information for all students pursuing professional careers based on the sciences (Pre-Med, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-PA, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Vet, etc.). PPHS focuses solely on getting students to their chosen profession. Some benefits of PPHS include:
- Resume Building
- MCAT Prep
- Networking with Healthcare Professionals
- Graduate School Seminars
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Biology
Biology Program Director
Natural Science Department Chair
First Year Student Advisor (FSA)
Associate Professor of Biology
